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Autism in Our Youth Group

Video presentation by Janeen Bertsche Johnson

The Gathering Place logo (tree image)

In this 52-minute archived webinar, Janeen Bertsche Johnson, campus pastor at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and parent to a young adult daughter who is on the autism spectrum, names common characteristics of autism, addresses how these factors might affect a youth group, and suggests ways leaders can try to address them.

 

 Autism in Our Youth Group

 
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 This webinar first appeared on The Gathering Place, an interactive website for Anabaptist ​youth leaders to find connection, resourcing, networking, mentoring, and spiritual formation.

 

 More youth ministry resources

 
    • A Relentless Hope
      Book review of A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression. By Gary E. Nelson. Reviewed by Christine Guth.
    • Mental health of children and youth
      Ideas for working together in the congregation to create an environment that supports success for children and youth with mental health challenges
    • Youth Ministry and Disabilities
      Cindy Warner Baker offers guidance to youth ministers on supporting and nurturing youth with emotional, cognitive, or physical disabilities
    • Amplifying Our Witness
      A review of Amplifying Our Witness: Giving Voice to Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities. By Benjamin T. Connor. Reviewed by Cindy Baker.
    • ADHD
      Positive strategies for teaching children with ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) in Christian education
    • Youth
      Tips for effective inclusion of individuals with disabilities into church youth groups.
 

 Related topics

 
  • The ABCs of Asperger's Syndrome
    An A-to-Z Guide to Understanding Asperger's Syndrome
  • Horses Live to Run
    My family members on the autism spectrum show me that we dare not limit our definition of humanity to a single trait.
  • Teaching autism acceptance
    Sunday school teachers, youth leaders and other adults have a vital role to play in promoting understanding and acceptance of children on the autism spectrum in communities of faith.
  • Sensory Overload
    Sensory overload from bright lights, pungent smells, a light touch, unfamiliar foods, or annoying sounds may overwhelm a person with sensory processing disorder or autism and trigger unexpected reactions.
  • The Spectrum of Autism
    Viewing those on the autism spectrum through the lens of cultural difference can empower church communities to build bridges of understanding
  • Explaining Autism to Children and Youth
    Understanding of autism helps empower children and youth to be supportive friends to their peers with autism.
  • The Autism Spectrum
    Resources on understanding and supporting children and adults with autism
 

 Opening Doors

 
  • Transformation on the Trail
    A parent of an autistic young adult reflects on the changing of seasons and the tug-of-war between joy and sorrow in the heart.
  • Beautiful Day
    Ron Sandison's journey with autism has been like the weather in Michigan, filled with both beautiful days and thunderstorms.
  • Autism in the Congregation
    Suggestions for including children with autism in church activities
  • Ready and Able
    Tony Walters, a deacon at Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren who happens to have autism, helps prepare for the congregation's love feasts.
  • Including Children with Autism
    Assembly Mennonite Church finds ways to include a child with autism and support his parents
 

 Connections

 
  • Chasing the Rabbit
    A review of Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad’s Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum, by Derek Volk with Dylan Volk
  • Photographer of Beaver Creek
    Douglas Wood serves Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren in Bridgewater, Virginia, as unofficial church photographer, undeterred by his autism.